Community helps to close the education gap
Through Officeworks’ 2024 Back to School Appeal, the Logan community and the Underwood Officeworks team have raised more than $6,700 for families experiencing hardship.
The funds will go to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program, which will help 2,000 students with the costs of uniforms, school fees and more this year.
By mitigating the impact of economic inequality, students will be able to start the school year with confidence and get the most from their education.
Officeworks Underwood Store Business Manager Jordan Collins says it’s been a heartwarming experience.
‘It’s amazing to see the support from our team and the generosity of the Logan community,’ she says.
‘The Logan community generously donated so much that we exceeded our store target. It’s heartwarming to see that our passion for supporting education is mirrored by our community.’
From 26 December to 11 February, Officeworks team members were encouraged to discuss The Smith Family’s ethos and ask if customers wanted to donate during checkout.
‘I’m proud of my team and their ability to ask that question because it’s a difficult time between Christmas and back to school,’ Jordan says.
The cause is something she holds close to heart.
‘I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have the same level of education and it’s such a good feeling to support a charity that is helping to close the literacy gap,’ she says.
The funds raised by the Officeworks Underwood team during this period have provided 10 students with everything they’ll need, from supplies to extra educational programs, to learn and succeed at school.
Over the past 11 years, Officeworks’ customers and team members have contributed more than $9 million through the annual Back to School appeal, enabling The Smith Family to provide more than 14,000 one-year Learning for Life scholarships for students across Australia.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says they are grateful for how Officeworks has rallied the community to support young Australians with their education.
‘When young people start school without the essentials they need to keep up with their peers, they risk falling behind and disengaging from their learning,’ he says.
‘With this long term, wrap-around support, even more students will be able to stay engaged at school.’
Officeworks’ next community fundraising effort will commence in June, where team members will be able to select a charity organisation to support for a month.
